Cowboys embarrass Roosters

Matthew Bowen of the Cowboys makes a break during the round seven NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the North Queensland Cowboys at TIO StadiumMark Kolbe - Getty Images

THE Sydney Roosters' decision to play their home match against North Queensland in Darwin proved a disaster Saturday night as the Cowboys ran in nine tries to embarrass the tricolours 50-12.

Played in hot and humid tropical conditions more suited to the Cowboys, the Roosters looked flat from the opening whistle.

Cowboys Jason Taumalolo, Antonio Winterstein and Matt Bowen all scored doubles to inflict the 11th loss from as many home games the Roosters have taken away from their Sydney base since 2006.

North Queensland ran in five tries to take a 28-0 half-time lead in the match played in close to 80 per cent humidity and nearly 30 degrees.

The Roosters were on the back foot from the opening minute when they conceded a ruck penalty before Cowboys centre Winterstein scored in the eighth minute, strolling through some feeble defence to score under the posts.